The death penalty "was an archaic measure that did nothing to solve the problem of crime," she told the AFP news agency.

"This decision brings us closer to Europe and to the whole of the civilized world."

The Russian Orthodox Church also welcomed the ruling.

"Our society is strong enough to outlaw the death penalty while continuing to strongly combat crime," Father Vsevolod Chaplin said, according to RIA Novosti.

Prolonged violence in the North Caucasus region has prompted some to demand the return of the death penalty for those behind attacks, and there is also public pressure for convicted serial killers, murderers and child abusers to be executed.

But reviving capital punishment would harm already strained relations between Russia and the EU.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, has also spoken out about the importance of the rule of law and basic human values in the country.